Cuba water shortages affect 3 million as fuel crisis deepens
The Story
Nearly 3 million Cubans are experiencing daily water shortages because of a severe oil shortage that government officials blame on a U.S. energy blockade, authorities said during a roundtable discussion. The state-run National Institute of Water Resources reported the water system operates with only 37% of the required fuel.
Key Facts
- Nearly 3 million Cubans face daily water shortages due to an oil shortage.
- The water system is operating with only 37% of the required fuel, according to state-run National Institute of Water Resources president Antonio Rodríguez.
- Rodríguez said essential activities from pumping to repairs require fuel, and chemical supplies are paralyzed.
- The agency’s annual purchases fell from about $100 million to about $10 million due to suspended credit.
- Since January, the U.S. tightened sanctions on Cuba, and President Trump threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
- Cuba produces only 40% of the fuel it needs.
- Residents experience daily power outages lasting up to 20 hours.
- Water deliveries by tanker trucks are inconsistent; some residents walk from other municipalities to collect water.
- 95-year-old Dayse Izquierdo relies on neighbors for water; teacher Magaly Ribial said she had not received water in five days.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Antonio Rodríguez, president of the state-run National Institute of Water Resources
- Magaly Ribial, 60-year-old teacher in Old Havana
- Dayse Izquierdo, 95-year-old resident
- Carlos Molina, 55-year-old resident
Sources: abcnews.com
